PORT ANGELES — Dan Gase, real estate broker and community volunteer, has announced that he will file for the Port Angeles City Council position now held by Brooke Nelson.

Nelson will not run for a second term in Position 4 and instead will serve as Gase's campaign manager.

Both work as Realtors at Coldwell Banker Uptown Realty.

“I love Port Angeles and want to be a part of the positive direction we are moving toward,” said Gase, 59, in a written statement.

“In spite of many economically challenging years and some difficult financial issues to deal with as a council, I am certain we can chart a healthy course for the city,” he added.

“That course must be environmentally prudent, attractive to visitors, helpful to local businesses and, at the same time, affordable for the taxpayers in the city.”

Nelson said: “It's been an honor to serve the community.”

But, especially with a toddler to care for, she is planning instead to “focus my time on my children and my personal life, my real estate career and my other community service interests.”

She said she is “pleased to serve as Gase's campaign manager. He will serve the community at large for its best interest.”

Gase said he “admires the hard work, efforts and leadership that Brooke has put into her term on the council.

“She obviously loves Port Angeles as I do.

“While I was saddened to learn that Brooke will not run for a second term, I am honored she has agreed to join my election team as campaign manager,” he added.

“I truly appreciate her guidance and support in this election.”

Gase threw his hat into the ring in 2010 when, running as a Republican, he unsuccessfully attempted to dislodge incumbent Rep. Kevin Van De Wege from his 24th District Position 1 seat in the state House.

Gase has served Port Angeles in a wide variety of civic roles over more than 30 years.

Previously held local leadership positions include Port Angeles Kiwanis president, Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce president, Association of Realtors president and Coldwell Banker Uptown Realty president and CEO.

Gase also has served as a board member for Volunteers in Medicine of the Olympics (VIMO), Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County and the Olympic Medical Center Foundation.

He is now serving on the city of Port Angeles Civil Service Commission.

He and his wife, Cynthia, have one grown daughter and three grandchildren.

Gase arrived in Port Angeles in 1967 with his parents when the family relocated from Pennsylvania.

“In those days, First and Front Streets were two-way, and west of the Eighth Street bridges were only gravel roads,” Gase said.

“We've come a long way in those 46 years,” he added, “and we've got a long way to go ahead of us.”

Gase is the second announced candidate for a City Council seat. Peter Ripley, an online newsletter publisher and advocate for the disabled, said earlier this month that he will seek Position 2, now held by Councilman Max Mania.